World Central Kitchen · Cairo, Egypt · Posted 2026-04-28
About World Central Kitchen (WCK)Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is an international nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to disasters and crises. WCK has served more than 450 million meals by leveraging local resources and adapting in real time when disasters strike.What You Will DoThe Procurement Coordinator will play a key role in managing and enhancing WCK's procurement activities across Gaza and Middle East operations. This role goes beyond transactional procurement, focusing on vendor expansion, cost optimization, cycle efficiency, and quality assurance. The Coordinator will lead negotiations with suppliers, streamline procurement workflows, ensure compliance with WCK standards, and deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions to support WCK's large-scale humanitarian operations in Egypt and Gaza.Vendor Management & Expansion Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors across food and non-food categories to diversify the supplier baseBuild strong, transparent, and long-term relationships with local, regional, and international suppliersConduct vendor performance evaluations and ensure compliance with WCK's quality, delivery, and ethical standards Drive competition among suppliers to ensure best value procurementEnsure full cold chain integrity for temperature-sensitive products across sourcing, transport, and delivery Develop and maintain contingency sourcing plans for critical items to ensure uninterrupted supply during emergencies, border closures, or market disruptionsProcurement Cycle EnhancementOversee the full procurement cycle: PR creation, RFQ issuance, vendor comparison, PO issuance, approvals, and follow-upOptimize cycle times by removing bottlenecks and ensuring smooth coordination with logistics, finance, and operations teamsEnsure all procurements are tracked in Airtable/ERP systems with complete visibility Implement process improvements and SOPs to increase efficiency and accountabilityCost Reduction & Value OptimizationNegotiate competitive prices and commercial terms, including deferred payments,discounts, and free storage optionsBenchmark prices across markets (Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and others) to identify savings opportunities Develop cost analysis reports and highlight procurement savings to management Support strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce overall operational costsQuality Assurance & ComplianceEnsure that all goods and services meet WCK's quality standards and specificationsCollaborate with logistics and warehouse teams on packaging, palletizing, and handling requirements Ensure compliance with local regulations, customs requirements, and donor/COGAT/UN2720 restrictions Manage vendor audits and quality inspections where required. Strategic & Analytical Contribution Prepare vendor comparison sheets, price trackers, and market analysis reportsIdentify opportunities for bulk purchasing, framework agreements, and long-term partnershipsSupport risk management by identifying potential supply chain disruptions and proposing alternativesContribute to strategic planning for supply chain resilience, including vendor diversification and corridor expansionCollaboration & Leadership Work closely with Logistics, Finance, Kitchens, Community Outreach, and Security teams to align procurement with operational needsCoordinate with Finance on timely vendor payments and reconciliations Train and mentor junior procurement staff where applicableRepresent procurement in cross-departmental committees (vendor evaluation, cost review, asset requests)Requirements3-5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or purchasing — preferably in humanitarian, FMCG, or logistics contexts Demonstrated experience in vendor negotiations and achieving cost savings Proficiency in Airtable or ERP-based procurement systems is strongly preferred Strong analytical skills: vendor comparison, price benchmarking, and cost reporting Arabic fluency required; professional-level English for reporting and cross-team communication Based in Egypt or able to work in Egypt for the duration of the contractAbility to work in high-pressure, fast-moving humanitarian environments with shifting prioritiesExperience with cold chain, customs compliance, or COGAT/UN2720 regulations is a significant advantageWorking ConditionsThis role requires the ability to work in high-stress, ambiguous environments with a focus on quality under operational pressure. Regular travel to vendor sites across Cairo is required. Flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions are essential.Contract Duration: This is a three (3) month fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension based on operational need and performance.Contract Pay Rate: $105 per day in local currencyBenefitsDirect impact on humanitarian food and supply operations supporting people in GazaWork alongside a high-performing, globally experienced procurement and logistics teamOpportunity to lead process improvements and vendor strategy in a critical operational contextWCK is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Join us in being a part of WCK's global talent journey!